As more TV makers embed Wi-Fi as a way to connect TVs to the Internet, Rubin expects their popularity to grow. Several TV makers are expected to roll out sets featuring Wi-Fi. Sales of 3-D television were disappointing in 2010 in part because there were only a few dozen 3-D movies and other content available, said Paul Gagnon, an analyst with Display Search, which tracks TV technology.

However, 3-D TV will remain a hot topic as well as 3-D video games and new sets that allow viewing with less expensive glasses that are debuting at the show.

A few firms such as Toshiba are displaying 3-D technology that won’t require glasses.

“One big thing that is coming up at CES is a new version of 3-D TV, and they will use passive polarized glasses, which are the same glasses you use in the cinema,” said Chris Chinnock, senior analyst with technology research firm Insight Media.

LG, Vizio and Phillips are expected to show off sets that use inexpensive passive glasses instead of active shutter glasses, which can cost $100 a pair, he said.

“Sony and Samsung will stick with active shutter,” he added. “Vizio and LG also have active shutter sets. But I think they see the next big wave being a passive solution and they want to get out ahead of the curve.”

In addition, ancillary devices such as Bluray players are being introduced at the show with embedded chips and software that will allow them to connect to the Internet through the TV, which also may prove popular with consumers, say analysts.

TV makers likely will battle over whether consumers need full-blown Web browsing and applications on their TV, or whether they’ll be satisfied with more limited Internet access to targeted sites such as Netflix and YouTube.

Google TV powers Web browsing. But it also requires TV makers to embed a processor chip in their sets at extra expense.

“If you look at the Sony Google TV or Blu-ray player, they’re at about a $300 premium,” Rubin said. “When we look at things like searching the Web or apps for your TV, we’ve found that consumers are interested in that functionality, or at least early adopters are. But there are many variables.”

Tablets

One of the variables is the surge in tablet computers. Rubin thinks tablets could become the device where consumers use apps while sitting on their couch — leaving the larger TV primarily for watching video.

New tablets from Motorola, Blackberry maker Research in Motion, Acer, Lenovo and many others will be unveiled, said Caris and Co. analyst Craig Ellis. In September, 32 tablets had been introduced to the market or had been announced to be coming to market soon worldwide, he said. At the show, he expects that number to surge to 69 devices.

That doesn’t count e-readers, which are expected to be hot products at the show.

The rise of tablets is important for San Diego’s Qualcomm, which not only makes chips that allow these devices to connect to the Internet via cellular networks but also makes the powerful Snapdragon application processor chip that serves as the brains to run the devices.